POSITION SUMMARY

Willamette University School of Law seeks applicants for a full-time visiting faculty position for the 2026-2027 academic year to serve as the primary instructor for a clinical law program that will be offered in partnership with the Public Defender of Marion County. The position is renewable based on performance and continued State funding in subsequent academic / fiscal years. The instructor will teach and supervise clinical law students who will be assigned to defend clients in misdemeanor cases.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach an average of 12 clinical students in both the Fall and Spring semesters, and up to 8 students in the summer, by providing classroom instruction, timely written feedback on assignments, and individual academic counseling on progress towards course learning objectives. Supervise criminal misdemeanor cases defended by students.
• Engage in criminal defense representation as needed to serve clinic clients.
• Regularly review and, where appropriate, establish or revise processes and procedures to operate the Criminal Defense clinic.
• Collaborate with the Public Defender of Marion County on designing and revising the structure of the clinical program.
• Refine and/or develop and implement programming to assist students in preparing for academic success while in law school and in building their professional identity.
• Participate in faculty meetings, faculty committees, and other service work commensurate with expectations of other visiting professors.
• Complete requirements associated with state funding, such as reporting and other requested follow-up documentation.
• Other duties consistent with the position as assigned by the Dean.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
• Three to five years' experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law.
• Current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing, or eligible for reciprocity admission.
• Eligible for misdemeanor attorney qualification by the Oregon Public Defense Commission.
• Proficient in the use of computers for word processing and electronic communication.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge or enthusiasm to learn about student preparation for the Oregon Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination.
• A genuine enthusiasm for student success.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues.
• Ability to work independently as well as establish and maintain harmonious relations with staff, faculty, students and professionals in the community.

Preferred

• Teaching experiential, clinical, or legal writing courses in an ABA-accredited law school.
• Familiarity with the operations of public defender offices in the State of Oregon or other jurisdictions.
• Experience either prosecuting or defending criminal cases.

Salary: $129,100